Mr. Richard I. Walthall, age 91, died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of June 18, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents; John (Jack) Walthall and Jenny Mae Dixon; his sister, Patsy; two sons, John and Ricky and a grand-daughter, Tabitha Strickland. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; two daughters, Jenny (Eddie) Forsythe and Alice (Tony) Elkins; grandchildren, Jessica (Brent) Kent and Joyle (Karol) Walthall, several great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter and other extended family.
Richard loved to travel. He visited 49 states, 59 National Parks, nine Canadian provinces and set foot on 5 continents, including Antarctica. Richard enjoyed spending time on the water. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and traveled extensively by boat. Richard piloted a boat to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and all of its tributaries.
Richard was an avid HAM radio operator (W4HW), and spent time building models of cars, boats, and planes. He did extensive volunteer work with multiple counties Emergency Management Agencies and other community organizations. Richard received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Bush.
Richard was born in Maryville, TN on November 7, 1932 but made his home in the communities of North Alabama. He was the first person to drive a house trailer through Birmingham. He was a graduate of Auburn University (1968), and retired from Reynolds Aluminum in 1993. He was an active member of Union Chapel Church.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Union Chapel Church Building Fund (1212 Union Chapel Road, Union Grove, Alabama 35175). A celebration of life will be announced at a later time with a private burial in Sheffield, Alabama.
